Hey, all, sorry it's been a while since I've posted. I've had some guests in town, including my adorable five month old nephew, Jasper. It's been so fun to hang out with him! Speaking of hanging out, I could log some serious hours in this lovely London home, spotted on the Guardian's website. It's light, airy, elegant and comfortable, just the way a real home (with barking dogs and giggling babies) should be. Thanks Sash , Will and Jasper for making our home a real one for a few days! {Photographs by David Cleveland}

It's hard to put into words how much I love this house. The focus on color is something that I especially admire. I think it can be so hard to match the right soft, color palette together -- and Karen Draaijer gets it just right. The soft grays and lavenders in the kitchen are a gorgeous departure from the usual white. I really adore that lovely cream antique chair in front of the fire, but that blue color in the hallway is my absolute favorite. It kind of reminds me of this blue room from World of Interiors. via Remodelista.

There's this awesome little bakery in my home town that make the best, I mean the best, old fashioned doughnuts. But how delicious do these homemade apple cider doughnuts look? I'd really like to try them this weekend... Deb from Smitten Kitchen is seriously one of my heroes.

We went to (dun dun dun) Hawaii! Our quickie trip to Oahu was more beautiful and fun than I could have ever, ever imagined, and I simply cannot wait to go back and explore even more. I just couldn't get enough of all the colors. And the Pacific. And the flowers. And the beaches. And the fresh fish. Well, you get the idea.

hello! bonjour. hola. bom dia.

My name is Honora, and I am writer and grad student in San Francisco, CA. I love British mysteries, the word vermillion, sitting in the sun after a nice swim, and logging time in international airport terminals (and the countries that they take me to). Thanks for visiting!

Feel free to leave comments on posts, or to get in touch by e-mail: byitsowndesign@gmail.com.

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